What does the Reds 40-man roster look like after declining Joey Votto's option?

For the first time in his career, Joey Votto is now a free agent. On Saturday, the Cincinnati Reds declined to pick up Votto's $20-million club-option for the 2024 season.

Votto had spent his entire professional career with the Reds organization and will now get the opportunity to play elsewhere next season. Votto has said that he plans to play again in 2024.

But Votto's departure wasn't the only roster move the Cincinnati front office executed this weekend. What does the Reds 40-man roster look like with the offseason set to take on a mind of its own?

Joey Votto's option was not the only one the Reds declined

Joey Votto's option was not the only one the Cincinnati Reds declined on Saturday. Catcher Curt Casali will not be back in 2024 either. The veteran backstop had a mutual-option for next season, and instead of forking over $2.5-million, the Reds will pay the $750,000 buyout.

Casali was part of the Reds three-catcher plan heading into last season, but after landing on the IL later in the summer, the 35-year-old never returned to the active roster.

The Reds shored up the catcher's position already this offseason by re-signing Luke Maile. After agreeing to a one-year contract last offseason, Maile performed well in 2023 and earned a one-year contract extension with a club-option for 2025.

Maile will join Tyler Stephenson next season behind the plate for the Reds. After an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, the extra days off from behind the plate certainly helped to keep Stephenson fresh throughout the 2023 season.

However, Stephenson lacked that pop in his bat and was, at times, occupying a spot in the bottom of the Cincinnati Reds batting order. The hope is that Stephenson returns to his 2022 form once next season begins.

Catchers (2): Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile

For the first time in 17 years, Joey Votto will not be on the Reds 40-man roster

For the first time since 2007, Joey Votto will not be part of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. As for first base, that's a position that will likely fall to second-year infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand, though Spencer Steer could see some time there as well.

The entire Reds infield entering next season could be comprised of first and second year players. As the offseason moves along, the Reds front office will need to make decisions surrounding the likes of Jonathan India, Jose Barrero, and Nick Senzel.

The middle infield looks to be on lockdown for the foreseeable future. After a terrific rookie season, the Reds have big plans for Matt McLain moving forward. Whether playing shortstop or second base, the former first-round pick has a home on the Reds infield.

Elly De La Cruz burst onto the scene, but fizzled out down the stretch. However, the talent is certainly there. De La Cruz has game-changing speed and looks to be central figure on the Reds infield heading into 2024.

Finally, there was Noelvi Marte. The former Seattle Mariners farmhand spent most of last season in the minors, but a late-season call-up allowed the third baseman to showcase his vast array of talents. Marte's rookie status will still be intact heading into next season.

Infielders (8): Jonathan India, Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Jose Barrero, Nick Senzel, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand

With Joey Votto no longer on the Reds 40-man roster, Lucas Sims is now the longest-tenured player

Joey Votto had been the longest-tenured member of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster for quite some time. But that honor now falls to Lucas Sims who joined the team in 2018.

While Reiver Sanmartin, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft are all still technically on the 60-day injured list, that trio of hurlers will soon be reactivated and count toward the 40-man roster.

The starting rotation has a lot of question marks entering the offseason. In addition to Lodolo and Ashcraft, the group of starters includes Hunter Greene, Connor Phillips, Carson Spiers, Brandon Williamson, Andrew Abbott, Levi Stoudt, and Lyon Richardson.

The relief corps is down one man after Buck Farmer officially entered free agency. But in addition to the aforementioned Lucas Sims, Daniel Duarte, Alexis Diaz, Tejay Antone, Alex Young, Sam Moll, Derek Law, Ian Gibaut, Casey Legumina, and Fernando Cruz round out the bullpen.

This is an area during the offseason that could see a lot of turnover. The Reds have already removed pitchers like Connor Overton and Justin Dunn from the 40-man roster, and more cuts could be on the way later this offseason.

Look for a few additions and subtractions as the Hot Stove season heats up. Cincinnati may look to upgrade both the rotation and the bullpen through free agency or trades this offseason.

Pitchers (20): Lucas Sims, Daniel Duarte, Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo, Casey Legumina, Ian Gibaut, Tejay Antone, Andrew Abbott, Connor Phillips, Alex Young, Reveir Sanmartin, Alexis Diaz, Carson Spiers, Sam Moll, Lyon Richardson, Derek Law, Levi Stoudt, Graham Ashcraft, Fernando Cruz